Veteran cutman says boxing owes Manny

LOS ANGELES – Veteran cutman Ruben Gomez said recently whether Manny Pacquiao stays retired or returns to boxing is a personal decision only the Filipino can make but whatever happens, it won’t change the fact that the sport owes a lot to the only man to capture world titles in eight different weight divisions.

Gomez, 70, has worked the corners of over 70 world champions in more than 350 title bouts in nearly 40 years in the business. Among the fighters he has worked with were Pacquiao, Brian Viloria, Roberto Duran, Diego Corrales, James Toney, Fernando Montiel, Rosendo Alvarez, Robert Guerrero and Hilario Zapata.

When Pacquiao made his US debut against IBF superbantamweight champion Lehlo Ledwaba in 2001, Gomez was in the Filipino’s corner with Freddie Roach. He stayed with Pacquiao for two years then was replaced by Lenny de Jesus, Joe Chavez and finally, Miguel Diaz.

“Manny has made a lot of people wealthy,” said Gomez. “With his retirement, he’ll be missed by those who make a living out of boxing. (Juan Manuel) Marquez, for instance, should build a statue to honor Manny in his mansion because he wouldn’t have gotten rich without Manny. In boxing, there are very extraordinary fighters like Manny and Oscar de la Hoya. I remember Sugar Shane Mosley beating De la Hoya and when the press asked what’s his next fight, Mosley replied it depends on Oscar. Can you believe that? Mosley just beat Oscar and his future was still dependent on Oscar. It’s the same with Manny. He gave boxing people a good means of livelihood and for that, he should be credited. The entire boxing world should be grateful to Manny.”

Gomez wouldn’t speculate if Pacquiao will come back or not. “It’s a personal issue and out of respect for Manny, we shouldn’t speculate on what could happen,” he said. “But from the way Manny beat (Timothy) Bradley a few weeks ago, if he fought (Floyd) Mayweather instead that night, he would’ve won. Mayweather has a tendency to fight to the level of his opponent. He looked terrible against (Andre) Berto while Manny looked good against Bradley. If Mayweather fights Manny like he did against Berto and Manny fights Mayweather like he did against Bradley, Manny wins for sure.”

Gomez said Pacquiao isn’t only a boxing legend but also an entertainer. “For over 15 years, Manny fought in the US and entertained millions of fans while making a fortune,” he said. “It’s even. Manny made people happy and the fans reciprocated by supporting his fights.”

Gomez, a successful realtor, is a father figure to Viloria and considers himself a grandfather to the Hawaiian Punch’s one-year-old son Tyler. He said with the possibility of WBC flyweight champion Roman Gonzalez and WBA/WBO unified ruler Juan Francisco Estrada moving up to the 115-pound division, Viloria might be back in the title picture.

“Brian is like Manny and Oscar in that he has drawing power,” said Gomez. “Estrada, for instance, earns $50,000 to $60,000 defending his title but it’s different with Brian. I visited Chocolatito (Gonzalez) in his hotel room the other day and maybe after his defense against McWilliams Arroyo (Gonzalez won on points at the Forum in Inglewood last Saturday night) and one more defense, he could move up in weight. So a rematch with Brian may not be an option.”

Last October, Viloria was stopped by Gonzalez at 2:53 of the ninth round at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Referee Benjy Esteves stepped in to prevent Viloria from taking more punishment. “I raised hell when Benjy stopped it,” said Gomez. “Benjy’s been my friend forever but I really disagreed with that call. Later, Benjy and I talked. He explained that if Brian grabbed Chocolatito or threw some punches, he wouldn’t have stopped it. I told him only a few seconds were left so he should’ve allowed the round to finish. Fair is fair and Benjy didn’t want Brian to get badly hurt. I respect his decision but I honestly think Brian could’ve gone on.”

Gomez said if Viloria goes after IBF flyweight champion Amnat Ruenroeng of Thailand, it wouldn’t be a hard fight. “I know Amnat’s trainer Aljoe (Jaro) who’s Filipino,” said Gomez. “Amnat’s not a big puncher. It’ll be an interesting fight. If the opportunity comes, Brian won’t hesitate to fight him.”

Gomez said he’ll travel with Viloria to Canastota, New York, to attend the International Boxing Hall of Fame induction ceremonies in June. One of Gomez’ fighters Zapata, a former WBA flyweight champion, will be enshrined. Gomez said during the trip, he’ll take the opportunity to visit his daughter Ruby who works at the New York University. His other child Eddie, a Harvard University graduate of anthropology, lives in Boston.

When Viloria returns to action late this year, Gomez will be back in his corner with trainer Marvin Somodio. “Brian isn’t an average fighter,” he said. “He’s very intelligent. He could go back to school if he wants to. Whatever he decides to do in the future, I know he’ll be successful.”